If you want to be a good blues singer, people are going to be down on you, so dress like you're going to the bank to borrow money.
B. B. KingRead
I never use that word, retire.
Interpretation
Retirement is often viewed as an endpoint, but B.B. King emphasizes continual engagement and passion for one's work.
In this quote, B.B. King conveys the idea that he does not believe in the concept of retirement as a cessation of activity. Instead, he suggests that one should remain active and engaged in their passions and pursuits for as long as possible, highlighting the importance of maintaining a sense of purpose and enthusiasm in life.
In practice
In a motivational speech to inspire colleagues to keep pursuing their dreams, even after traditional retirement age.
If you want to be a good blues singer, people are going to be down on you, so dress like you're going to the bank to borrow money.
The way I feel today, as long as my health is good and I can handle myself well and people still come to my concerts, still buy my CDs, I'll keep playing until I feel like I can't.
Everything I record, I just try to sound like me and come up with songs that suit what I do and then just go for it. I never know what the public's going to like, anyway.
A guitar is like an old friend that is there with me.
I have not been a good father, but no father has loved his children more. Like my father, I decided the best thing I could do for my kids was work and provide. Fortunately, I've been able to do that. Unfortunately, my work was on the road, and that's meant a life of one-nighters.
People all over the world have problems. And as long as people have problems, the blues can never die.
Other people go to the office. I get to coach. I know I've been blessed.
I could use a hundred people who don't know there is such a word as impossible.
If four things are followed - having a great aim, acquiring knowledge, hard work, and perseverance - then anything can be achieved.
Work as though you would live forever, and live as though you would die today. Go another mile!
Stay triumphant, keep on living. Stay on your toes, get off the ropes. Don't let 'em ever count you out.
Under pressure, you can win with your mind.
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